Manchester United youngster Joe Hugill has had a strong start to pre-season amid the team’s lack of strikers.
The first two pre-season games have seen a number of Manchester United youngsters stand out and show glimpses of quality.
There have been strong showings from midfielders Kobbie Mainoo and Isak Hansen-Aaroen, although, Manchester United are not short of midfielders.
The area in the team where major depth is lacking is up front, so it has also been positive to see Joe Hugill stepping up.
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Joe Hugill performance praised
Joe Hugill scored for Manchester United in the win over Leeds, and had the opportunity to play another 45 minutes against Lyon.
While he did not score in the 1-0 win, with Donny van de Beek grabbing the goal, Hugill showed there is more to his game than just lethal finishing, demonstrating his work rate, and willingness to run the channels and lead the line.
Hugill was praised by former Manchester United prospect Luke Chadwick, who told MUTV he liked what he saw from the 19-year-old striker.
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He said: “He’s really old school. His movement is superb. I was really impressed.”
He added that Erik ten Hag would like the way Hugill did a job for the team, adding: “He’s such a brilliant runner, with a willingness to get behind the back four.”
Hugill numbers
Hugill created one chance, doing as much as he could with limited possession, attempting 11 passes inside the final third.
He won possession back for his side five times, putting in the hard work against a strong Lyon side.
With Anthony Martial still not fully fit, and Manchester United not yet signing a striker, we could be set to see more of Joe Hugill over the rest of pre-season.
As Marcus Rashford once showed, all a striker needs is a chance. Hugill is on the way to taking his.